A young mum who was stabbed to death at her home has been named locally as Sharon Crean.
The sister of Sharon, aged in her mid-30s, has vowed to get "justice" as she revealed her pain over her loss.
Sharon was found with severe injuries at her apartment in Mountmellick, Co Laois before 5pm yesterday.
Read More: Mountmellick death LIVE updates as mum stabbed to death is named and remembered
Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A major investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding her death and investigators are expected to upgrade it to murder.
A man, also aged in his 30s, is being quizzed over her death at Portlaoise Garda Station.
Locals have been left stunned at the news, saying she was a very "kind" person who was a proud mum.
She was regularly seen out and about with her two-year-old boy.
And in a tribute from her sister Elaine Crean, she said: "RIP sis, you're gonna be missed.
"I can't put in words what we're going through. One thing is for sure, we're gonna get you justice I promise you that.
"I loved you so much. Fly high Sharon until we meet again."
The Garda Technical Bureau have completed their examination at the scene at College Avenue in Mountmellick this morning.
They also conducted a search of the area, with officers coming back to the scene this afternoon to collect evidence bags.
Tributes have been left at the scene by the victim's neighbours and friends.
Sharon is from elsewhere in Co Laois but has been living in Mountmellick for some time.
A post-mortem examination is taking place and garda headquarters say its results will determine the course of its investigation.
A garda spokesman appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: "Gardai are appealing to anyone who has any information that can assist with this investigation to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
"Investigations are ongoing. An Garda Siochana has no further information available at this time."
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